New boots dilemma (goes against PS.com recommendations)

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For starters, I'm an 18X Candidate looking to toughen up my feet before leaving for Basic. This thread talks about my experience with my first pair of boots and my experience with them thus far:



I've read (and been told) so much about boots. New boots should be broken in before long road marches, always treat the boots with mink (or another) oil and saddle soap to soften the leather, eliminate friction and moisture to reduce blisters, etc.

I went to the Army Surplus store today and tried talking to the guy there. He didn't really know anything about heel/toe cups, arch supports, boot inserts, and soles. I was asking him all tons of questions and realized I wasn't getting anywhere....

So I decided to try on some different types of boots, with 2 pairs of socks on each foot. The first sock (against my skin) was the standard brown Army Issue sock, followed by a second layer wool sock to help reduce the friction between the boot and my foot.

I told him I wanted the standard boot the Army gave out so I could make sure I was within regulations. He suggested I try on some Belleville boots.

Now, since I have never tried on a boot in my life, I asked him what they should feel like. He told me they should feel comfortable, and shouldn't have any annoyances that you wouldn't want to deal with after a long road march (chafing, etc.).

My normal shoe size is 10.5. I tried on some 10.5 boots, but the front was VERY tight around the top part of the toe knuckles. I didn't want this to be annoying and hurt later on, so I tried on some size 11 boots and they seemed to fit fine.

However, those 11's almost feel like clown feet. My heel constantly slides (not much, but enough to notice) on each step, however I never got a hot spot. Granted, I only walked a mile, but I felt like I could go on forever.

Is this normal? Is the boot supposed to be that comfortable/big? I want to toughen my feet, but while I'm walking it doesn't really feel like it's working them. I don't want to keep using these boots, only to find out that boots are supposed to chafe against your foot and maintain a tight fit.

I don't feel like they are stiff at all, and I don't feel like I need to use any oils to soften them up either.

What's the deal here? These things feel great. Did the owner fit me wrong? Or do you really need to walk a long distance to notice hot spots? The only thing I can think of is that I've worn hiking boots (in replace of sneakers) all my life, so maybe I'm used to the comfort of a boot-like shoe.